Disasters and other traumatic events do more than just destroy lives and homes. Both large-scale events like hurricanes and floods and smaller events like automobile accidents and other violent encounters can have lasting emotional and mental effects, but there are ways for you to help protect both yourself and your loved ones and help support the healing process.

Understanding that the emotional and mental stress caused by disasters can be mitigated is the first step. Reaching out is the second. We have provided resources below for survivors of disasters and their families as well as first responders, health care providers, social workers and others who help both individuals and communities recover from trauma.

Remember, disaster preparation starts with you. Visit getagameplan.org to learn more about how you can plan for a disaster and make you and your family more resilient in the face of catastrophe before it happens.